Ever since I was a gawky teenager, I have had all sorts of problems with my skin. Name it, I had it: acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and enlarged pores were just the tip of the iceberg. As I have matured and entered different stages of life, it seems like the problems would never go away.

As a matter of fact, I think the very problems I mentioned have somehow leveled up in severity. Alongside these issues, I now have to contend with the body’s natural aging process. I am now starting to see the fine lines, wrinkles, and those “lovely” crow’s feet around my eyes. While various products were fighting to keep these impurities at bay, their unrelenting presence on my face sure adds to my anxiety about never getting the radiant and glowing skin I feel I deserve.

Sure, the pimples have somehow left me alone, and so did the blackheads and whiteheads. They were the skin problems of the typical teenager that were rectified but a number of facial sessions. However, they also left me with reminders that they have been a part of my life: acne scars.

Then I Discovered Vitamin C Serums

There is no wonder that people are raving about how they bear the power to forever change people’s lives. Vitamin C has many benefits for the body and so much more for the skin. I have read about anything I can get my hands on about Vitamin C serums, so I decided to give it a shot, after all, I have tried almost everything else.

Now the problem is which Vitamin C serum to use. Given that the choices out on the market are countless, how would one determine which ones would work and which ones would just be a waste of my time, money, and effort? I then made the costly decision to choose and buy five serums, use them for a week, and make a list of how each of them fared against my array of facial insecurities.

This experiment turned out to be quite an adventure. Indeed, choosing the best Vitamin C serum entails a lot of patience. Read on to find out if I found the solution to all my skin problems and can you do it too!

What Exactly Is Vitamin C Serum And How It Can Help?

First, we need to know what the fuss is all about. What exactly is a Vitamin C serum?

A Vitamin C serum is a skin care formulation consisting of Vitamin C (of course) and other anti-aging ingredients such as Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic acid, and essential oils from different fruits and vegetables.

Clinical trials have irrevocably proven the immense power of Vitamin C when used in a pure form of a serum.It boosts collagen creation, fights skin aging and stimulates skin rejuvenation

Studies have shown and proven that applying Vitamin C to your skin allows you to get more of its benefits as opposed to just taking it orally. Thus, the Vitamin C serum is born. It is proven to do wonders for your skin thanks to its anti-aging, antioxidant, healing, and beautifying properties.

Basically, Vitamin C benefits the skin in several ways. It boosts the production of collagen which acts in making the skin more supple, firmer, and younger-looking. It helps in the skin’s healing and recovery process which solves your acne-driven needs. Finally, it fights the damaging effects of oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals.

The best serums on the reviews we’ve seen should have a concentration of 5 up to 20 percent Vitamin C. If it is your first time to try one or if you have extremely sensitive skin, it would be best (and safer) to start at a lower concentration first. Vitamin C can be potent and should be used sparingly, which is the reason why they come in such small bottles.

So What Are The Best Vitamin C Serums To Buy in 2018?

BEST OVERALLObagi Professional

GREAT BRAND​SkinCeuticals

GOOD BUDGETMario Badescu

RUNNER UPMad Hippie

NOT SO GOODOZ Naturals

Vitamin C Form

L-Ascorbic Acid

L-Ascorbic Acid

L-Ascorbic Acid

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Vitamin C %

15%

15%

7.5%

10%

20%

pH Level

4

2.5

6-7

6.5

6.8

Key Ingredients

Propylene GlycolSodium Hyaluronate Zinc Chloride

Vitamin EFerulic Acid

Cucumber ExtractGinseng ExtractLavender Extract

Vitamin EFerulic Acid Hyaluronic Acid Konjac Root Powder

Vitamin EHyaluronic Acid Rose Hips Astaxanthin

Best For Skin Type

ALL

Normal To Oily

Dry To Oily

Normal

ALL

Serum Color

Clear

Clear

Clear

Cloudy

Slight Orange

Brand Reputation

Excellent Worldwide

Excellent Worldwide

Very Good

Good

Good

Texture

Smooth

Light And Smooth

Smooth

Oily

Sticky

Scent

Strong Fragrance

Chemical Smell

Floral

Slightly Floral

Subtle Orange

Since we cleared the way by explaining why do you NEED a Vitamin C serum, let's take a look at the five best serums I encountered in my everyday life, as well as the clinic:

1. Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% - Best Overall Reviews

Garnering the most positive reviews from its army of international aficionados made me want to try the Obagi Vitamin C serum. The company claims that it is formulated by doctors, making me all the more convinced that I had to try it. And I did. Ultimately, I was not disappointed.

This Vitamin C serum adventure made me realize that not all of them are created equal. Obagi is at the top of my list not only because it contains a high amount of Vitamin C – relatively 20% and 15% in its two variations, but is packed with anti-aging ingredients that no other Vit C serum has. It has Hydroquinone, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, and many others that are sure to combat signs of aging as well as protect your skin from its effects.

It may be on the upscale price, and it is because it passes the checklist of ingredients a good Vitamin C serum must have. First of all, the Vitamin C concentration. It is in the L-Ascorbic acid form which is a natural form of Vitamin C and not synthetic like Ascorbic acid.

The Obagi serum has a 3.5 pH – that is the natural pH range of our own bodies. It has ingredients that make it easier for the skin to absorb it, making it much more effective than the rest of the serums reviewed on this list. There is no surprise that the Obagi’s product carries the Editor’s Choice sign of approval. Highly recommended product.

2. Mad Hippie - Best Vitamin C Serum Runner Up

Second on my list is Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum. This serum contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, which is more stable than L-Ascorbic acid but offers the same benefits. L-Ascorbic acid can cause irritations to some users, which was not the case with me when I tried Obagi.

The thing I loved most about Mad Hippie serum is its lovely scent. The smell alone conjures images on my mind about being in a field of flowers. All the ingredients used are naturally occurring and has the lowest toxicity rate that I know of all the Vitamin C serums I have tried.

This serum contains Vitamin E, Ferulic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Konjac root powder, Grapefruit, Clary Sage, and Chamomile extracts. Yes, more than what Obagi has, and I do admit that all these ingredients do wonders for the skin. This serum is a great choice if I haven’t tried Obagi yet.

Mad Hippie is an excellent serum, but I prefer the minimalistic approach “Less is More.” I believe that the fewer ingredients a product has, the fewer problems it will cause. Although Mad Hippie proved to be a very effective serum, and I would highly recommend it, it just falls shorter behind Obagi.

3. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - An Excellent Performer

Containing three of the most powerful antioxidants known to man (or just me alone), SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic serum has L-Ascorbic Acid, Alpha Tocopherol, and Ferulic Acid. All these components are very good at fighting and neutralizing the negative effects of free radicals that abound in our environment.

Smoking, pollution, and the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays can cause premature aging and dark spots. This serum has proven itself to stand along with the rest on this list as one of the best Vitamin C serums today. It was good in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and even reducing the appearance of acne scars which I used to have plenty of.

Paired with a good sunscreen, you’re sure to get efficient protection from the damages of sun exposure. It lessens dark spots and is excellent in lightening uneven skin tone. It does brighten up the skin and gives it a radiant glow.

One minor flaw I found in this serum is its sticky consistency. It didn’t glide on smoothly and absorbed quickly like the first two serums I mentioned above. Other than that, I loved everything about it and would highly recommend it.

4. OZ Naturals Vitamin C 20% Serum - Much Worse Than Expected

OZ Naturals Vitamin C 20% Serum uses the highest concentration of natural and active ingredients. And I can attest to that. This serum felt good on the skin and caused no irritation or redness.

It contains no parabens, alcohol, or any unnecessary chemicals as ingredients, so it is perfectly safe for those with extremely sensitive skin. I noticed an immediate reduction on my hyperpigmentation, so I’m sure that with continued use of this serum, I will eventually get rid of my dark spots and acne scars. Aside from Vitamin C, this serum also has Hyaluronic acid, Astaxanthin, Vitamin E, and rose hips which all help in making this serum an effective one.

The addition of more antioxidants makes this serum suitable for all skin types. It helps fight the visible signs of aging as well as reducing the unevenness of the skin tone. I did see a big improvement in my skin as some dark spots started to lighten after a week of continued use.

There is also some irritation on my eye area that may be exclusive to me alone as I saw some users specifically use this on their under-eye dark circles. This can only mean that what’s good for one may not be for others.

5. Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum - Best Affordable Serum

One of the most trusted names in the skincare world, Mario Badescu is synonymous with effective beauty products known all over the world. My skin loves how it moisturizes and hydrates it. It truly deserves a place on this best Vitamin C serum list.

This serum has several ingredients that make it one of the most effective, if not at par with the four on top, Vitamin C serums on the market. It has Sodium Hyaluronate, Collagen, Propylene Glycol, and other natural extracts that are all effective in giving you young-looking skin, as what the manufacturers claim.

In the week that I tried it, my skin felt firm and supple, soft and smooth to the touch. But in terms of overall performance, it could use some improvements when compared to Obagi or even Mad Hippie. This serum did lessen the oiliness of my skin, but that’s about it as opposed to what Obagi had done for me.

Most users complained about its high price, and I have to agree with them. If you find the best Vitamin C serum for your skin, you’d splurge on it and not think about how expensive it is. As long as it works, a high price tag is a small amount to pay.

Vitamin C Fights the Visible Signs of Aging

Vitamin C helps with the production of Collagen that fills in the fine lines and wrinkles that creeps up on our faces. It helps bring back the elasticity of our skin that we gradually lose as we age. Vitamin C helps make the skin firm and young-looking.

Neutralizes Free Radicals

Free radicals are everywhere, and Vitamin C serums are a great way to neutralize them. They can cause dark spots and an uneven skin tone. With regular use of Vitamin C serums, you can help remove the damage that has been done and protect your skin from oxidative stress.

Hydrates and Moisturizes

Vitamin C is effective in improving the moisture of the skin. Most Vitamin C serums contain other ingredients that absorb and help retain moisture. They are absorbed deep down in the skin to hydrate it from within and make skin softer and smoother.

Removes Dark Spots

Vitamin C serums help decrease your skin’s production of melatonin that causes dark spots. Constant exposure to the sun’s damaging rays can result in sunspots and an uneven skin tone. Vitamin C helps lighten these dark spots to make your skin look brighter and more vibrant.

Speeds Healing and Recovery

Vitamin C also has healing and inflammatory properties that help in speeding up recovery from acne, irritations, redness, and other skin disorders. It helps improve regeneration and cell turnover so your skin can easily heal. Vitamin C is proven to have antioxidant nutrients that help heal wounds faster.

Improves Overall Skin Health

We all know that Vitamin C is good for our bodies because of its many benefits. While taking it orally can help, applying Vitamin C directly on your skin will get you its maximum skin enhancing abilities.

What Are Organic Vitamin C Serums?

Organic Vitamin C serums contain ingredients that are naturally grown. Organic products mean that no chemicals were used on them. Ingredients that are farmed using non-organic methods are not considered organic.

Organic Vitamin C serums are made without the use of chemicals, pesticides, and other synthetic materials from harvesting up to processing. This means the serum is toxin free and is safe even for those with overly sensitive skin. There are only a few who can claim fully that their product is organic as some ingredients that are essential do not exist as organic.

This leads us to the question, which is better, organic or non-organic?

Both have advantages and disadvantages, and it is really up to the individual to determine which would work best for them. It is still a matter of personal preference if you want to go organic or not. Of course, organic is always better since you reduce the chance of allergies and sensitive skin issues, but besides that, both are fine products, at least amongst the five serums we have reviewed here.

What Are The Key Ingredients Of Vitamin C Serums On This Review?

Let’s take a look at the main C serums ingredients that we have on our review. These are the main ingredients that can help with skin rejuvenation, fight the signs of skin aging and protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a staple in most skincare products because of its hydrating capabilities. It attracts moisture to your skin and helps retain it to prevent moisture loss.

Vitamin C Ester

Vitamin C Ester is a non-acidic, fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that is a good defense against skin aging. It helps repair damaged skin cells and provide glowing and youthful looking skin.

Other Important Ingredients

L-Ascorbic Acid

L-Ascorbic acid is pure Vitamin C derived from natural sources such as oranges.

Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid and is foundon the fluid that surrounds the joints in our bodies.

Propylene Glycol

Is a hydrating ingredient to keep the serum from melting in high heat or from freezing and helps active ingredients to penetrate the skin.

Ferulic Acid

A plant-based antioxidant that enhances the powers of Vitamins and helps protect the skin from environmental damages.

Aloe Vera Gel

Provides healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin E

Blocks free radicals from causing damage to our skins.

Green Tea

AN antioxidant that delays the signs of aging.

Rose Hips

Harvested from the seeds of rose bushes, rose hips helps with fighting the aging process.

How To Use Vitamin C Serumsv On Face and Skin?

Apply the Vitamin C serum on your face, neck, and chest after thorough cleansing and toning. With your fingertips, gently rub about 3 to 4 drops on the skin until totally absorbed. Let dry before applying makeup or sunscreen.

For best results, it is recommended to apply Vitamin C serum twice a day, every day. Apply it in the morning before putting on your sunscreen and makeup. At night, apply on your skin before going to bed.

Can I Make a Homemade Vitamin C Serum? DIY Guide

Vitamin C serums can be quite expensive which can make you think of making some at home. This is absolutely doable, but it is not as easy as any other DIY projects you can think of. It can actually be tricky and risky as well.

Making your own serum can cause the Vitamin C to crystallize which would be useless as it won’t penetrate your skin. You also need to get the right pH level of the serum for it to work effectively which can be quite tricky.

Most DIY Vitamin C serums only require a few basicingredients. Thismeans you’ll be missing out on the benefits of those components that aren’t within your reach.

Furthermore, there isn’t any foolproof way that you can tell if your concoction is safe unless you try it and wait for it to work or cause problems such as chemical burns. You need to do some experimentation that has no guarantee of success or failure. Pretty scary, huh?

Where To Buy The Vitamin C Serums On Review?

Finding the right Vitamin C serum for you can be a daunting task. With the choices out there, you wouldn’t know which one will work for you and which one will not. Add to the pressure of getting the right one is the proliferation of counterfeit products on the market today. Even on super respectable places like Amazon and other major players. Here is an example – the Obagi’s serum has glowing reviews on Amazon, but all the latest reviewers are complaining about the quality of the product received with the latest orders. See, Amazon doesn’t always have full control over their suppliers and a few bad eggs can ruin the reputation of many reputable products.

Most serums cost a lot of money and there are people who would be lured in purchasing cheaper serums not knowing that they might be fake or not 100% genuine. To avoid this and to make sure that what you’re getting is the real deal, you can visit out specially made Where To Buy page and purchase your serum from a 100% genuine, licensed and authorized to sell the product online retailer.

In this top serums list, I have reviewed some of the best Vitamin C serums that are proven performers and excel in every way above the rest. I tested them personally to cut out the work for you, as well as they are the recommended skin care product at the beauty clinic I work during the day.

All you need to do is pick the one that would suit your needs and start to get better and improved skin for a younger you.

Should I Give Vitamin C a Try?

The answer is obviously a high resounding Y-E-S. As a woman who has struggled most of her life finding the solution to problematic skin, Vitamin C serums are heaven-sent. They help make my skin look and feel younger, softer, smoother, and definitely clearer.

I guess I have been living under a rock and never knew about Vitamin C serums way back when I was a teenager looking for better skin. If only I knew then what I know now, I would have been a Vitamin C serum junkie a long time ago.

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